Auckland New Zealand

 It is no wonder that Auckland is known as the City of Sails…after all it is surrounded by two harbours. The day we arrived a famous sailing race was happening on the waters there. But more of that in a moment…right now,

Kia Ora (Welcome) to New Zealand’s largest urban area

Auckland.

Auckland is a friendly, welcoming city with a host of things to do and see. I know that is not the reputation it has on some travel sites, but we loved it.

 You are never that far away from the water so I can imagine a sailor would love to live here. Even those who do not sail will be enchanted by the lovely views involving water.

Here we are at Queens Wharf.

From the harbour in the centre of town, you can take a ferry to neighbouring islands such as the popular Waiheke Island.

That’s the Auckland Harbour Bridge over the Waitemata Harbour.

(Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.)

Note the sailboats and yachts moored (is that the right word?) in the harbour.

How would you like a yacht like this one?

(Unfortunately we did not get an invitation to board.)

If you have a boat that needs to be stored, no problem. There is a “warehouse” next to the harbor where you can “park” it.

Along the waterfront you will find excellent restaurants and

the New Zealand Maritime Museum.

Even from here it is easy to spot the Sky Tower.

The day we arrived in Auckland, a rather famous “race” was being sailed in the harbour. Do you recognize the woman in the baseball cap and white stripped shirt?

Does this newspaper headline help?

Yes, we were there to cheer the royal couple as they sailed in the harbour.

But the water is not the only way to get around in Auckland.

Let’s travel the sidewalks and roads to see more of the city.

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